Come Rain or Shine

Once again, the Sunday Hikers are able to borrow and rephrase the Postman's Creed with "Neither rain nor wind nor scorching sun stays these hikers from the swift and happy completion of their appointed Sunday hikes".
After the non-stop rain that makes the hike seems daunting, especially in trying to tackle the ''Sound of Music", Handy and Cutie bow out of the hike. But Peppy, who has just returned from Washington, Chops, Giggles, and Captain Charlie are not about to get up so early and stay home. A quick decision is agreed on that we should go up to Suicide Cliff and back, a five-mile hike. We congregate at Peppy's house for the ride to Last Command Post.
A surprise is discovered, that CC has forgotten to insert the battery into her camera! Fortunately, Chops has a similar battery in her camera, so the photo production is saved. We all pile into Peppy's SUV and head to LCP.

Getting together at Peppy's house. Giggles trying to contact Marcia about the change of venue, without success.

Although it is raining (notice the rain drops on the photo?), the scenery on the way up to Suicide Cliff is so beautiful. It is Saipan's Serengeti.

Two trees from one trunk. It is nature's way of not only surviving, but also multiplying.

What are we looking at, at the top of Suicide Cliff? It is so foggy, with wind that blows at @ 40 mph that we have to lean in to keep from getting blown off our feet.

Giggles, soaking wet and freezing cold! The pouring rain does not stop us from taking a rest and stuffing ourselves with fruit, nuts, beef jerkey, and general snacks. Almost can take a shower under the trees that deliver streams of rain water. Only missing is a bar of soap.

The sun finally comes out when we reach the bottom of Suicide Cliff Road. But the camera has gone on the fritz, with water spots seeping inside and blurring the picture. Giggles has, meanwhile, regaled us with her plans of bringing more tools, implements and supply (including clippers, long ropes, life jacket, extra food, maybe a tent) for every possible adventures, and emergencies. We suggest she brings a wheelbarrow to carry all the stuff. She is considering it! :-)

Finally, reaching Peppy's house for another blurred picture. We still look great soaking wet and happy. CC is drying out the camera on the grill.

Next week?

Try Sound of Music again, if it doesn't rain.

CC found a typo in last week's photo of Chops hearing the word Retirement, she should be "ecstatic".

We miss Frankenstein word!